Day 2 - Star in the East [United States]
Star in the East (sometime known as Brightest and Best) is an American hymn which appears in Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, a shape-note hymn and tune book compiled by William Walker and first published in 1835. It is not known who wrote the music, or the words of the first verse. Verses 2 through 4, though, were written in 1811 by Reginald Heber. The text is clearly addressing the Star of Bethlehem, and hoping that today's (namely, his contemporaries') Christians will be led to Jesus, just as the Magi were led to His cradle, by following the Light (Jesus and His message). There are a whole set of theological arguments to do with Jesus Christ as the bringer of light . . . Son of the Morning / Morning Star / Bringer of the Dawn. He brings light to the world, as well as the individual soul, and with that light, the darkness fails. In the shape-note singing tradition, the music is strident and energetic, evoking images of fervent worshipers, stomping their feet as they raise their voices in song. One other thing unique about shape-note singing is that the song's tune is in the middle of the musical texture, not in the highest voice as is usual in most western choral music.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid!
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid!
Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining,
Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall,
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all!
Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Edom and offerings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation;
Vainly with gifts would His favour secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning!
Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid!
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid!
Star in the East - The Rose Ensemble
Star in the East - The L.A. Choral Lab
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